title: Getting it on versus getting it over with: sexual motivation, desire, and satisfaction in intimate bonds.
abstract: Across three studies, we demonstrate that pursuing sex for approach goals, such as to enhance intimacy, fuels satisfaction and pursuing sex for avoidance goals, such as to avoid disappointing a partner, detracts from satisfaction. In Study 1, we use hypothetical scenarios to provide experimental support for the associations between sexual goals and sexual and relationship satisfaction. In Study 2, a dyadic daily experience study of dating couples, we demonstrate that daily sexual goals are associated with both partners' daily relationship and sexual satisfaction. In Study 3, a dyadic daily experience study, we replicate the daily associations between sexual goals and satisfaction in a sample of long-term couples, and demonstrate that sexual goals impact partner's relationship and sexual quality 4 months later. In all studies, the associations between sexual goals and enhanced satisfaction as reported by both partners were mediated by sexual desire. Implications for research on sexual motivation and close relationships are discussed.
authors.affiliation: 1University of Toronto Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Muise
authors.forename: Emily A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Impett
authors.forename: Serge
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Desmarais
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009769:Object Attachment; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: dyadic daily experience; romantic relationships; satisfaction; sexual desire; sexual motivation